Four Strategies For Resolving Conflicts Over Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans
Child time-sharing is among the most contentious issues dealt with in the Florida Family Court. Parents in these cases are likely to have serious concerns about how arrangements made could impact their child’s well-being, as well as their own rights and the amount of time they get to spend with them. The court generally encourages parenting plans in Fort Lauderdale, but agreements can be hard to reach. The following offers strategies for resolving common conflicts that are likely to arise.
Common Conflicts In Child Time-Sharing
In cases of divorced or single parents, child time-sharing is a major issue. In determining the amount of time each party gets to spend with their children, the Florida Statutes generally encourage parenting plans. The goal is to protect the child’s best interests while allowing each party to continue playing an active and engaged role in the child’s life.
While this sounds like a reasonable approach, there are common conflicts that often arise in these proceedings. They include:
- Establishing the child’s primary residence;
- Determining rights to weekend visits and extended stays over school breaks;
- The right to spend time with the child on birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions;
- The right to be active and involved with their school activities;
- Authority in making important decisions concerning the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
Strategies To Successfully Resolve Disputes Between Parents
Florida parenting plans address important issues concerning the care of children and the rights of their parents. The following are four strategies that can be used in resolving disputes that arise:
- Remember your primary objective: Keep your focus on protecting your child’s best interests. Regardless of how you feel about the other party, the fact is that children generally do better when both parents are actively involved in their lives.
- Focus on being cooperative rather than competitive: Rather than competing with the other parent in an effort to be right or ‘win’, focus on being reasonable and cooperative instead.
- Let go of the past: Being reasonable and cooperative in creating a parenting plan can prove challenging when you are still hurt or angry about the past. While you may not be able to forget what happened, focus on coming to terms with it and practicing forgiveness.
- Pick your battles: Realize that compromise will be required in creating a parenting battle. Pick your battles carefully and determine what is most important to you and your child.
Request A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Creating a parenting plan that is beneficial to both you and your child can prove challenging. For trusted legal guidance in resolving common conflicts that are likely to arise, reach out to the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer acts as a strong legal ally on your side, helping you create a parenting plan that protects both your rights and your child’s best interests. Call or contact us online today to request a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf
